A barren tree stands out against the cliffs of Zion National Park along the loop at the end of the Watchman Trail.

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That's how long it has been since my last hike on the Watchman Trail in Zion National Park. All I remember from that hike is switchbacks and cacti, so I assume they are somewhere ahead of me.

Right now, though, it looks quite a bit different. I just parked at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and found the trailhead along the Virgin River. The paved Pa'rus Trail is located on the west side of the river so make sure you take the dirt path on the east side. ...